Do you know the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer? Do you know what you can do to prevent this disease?
Let’s take a stand against…Colorectal Cancer! is an educational/teaching tool for frontline health care service providers to teach
Aboriginal communities about colorectal cancer prevention and screening using the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) through ColonCancerCheck, Ontario’s colorectal screening program.
When found early enough, there is a 90% chance colorectal cancer can be cured.
Some signs & symptoms of colorectal cancer are:
- A change in your bowel movements
- Blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool (feces)
- Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Stomach discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue (feeling tired, weak)
- Vomiting
If you have any of these symptoms talk to your health care provider during your next visit.
You can lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by:
Eating a healthy diet; particularly a diet high in fibre and low in animal fats
- Not smoking
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol use
- Exercising regularly
- Visiting your health care provider regularly
- Screening for colorectal cancer
It is recommended that men and women 50 years of age or older, who do not have a family history of colorectal cancer, be screened every two years using FOBT.
Talk to your health care provider about colorectal cancer and the screening method that is right for you.
If you are a health care provider and want more information on the Let’s take a stand against…Colorectal Cancer! toolkit, please contact:
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